Medical Director of Long-Term Care Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the rapidly evolving healthcare industry, the role of a Medical Director in Long-Term Care has never been more crucial.

As the landscape of healthcare changes, so does the need for proficient leaders who can adapt, innovate, and ensure the highest quality of care for our aging population.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Medical Director in Long-Term Care?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the full scope of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of long-term healthcare leadership,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Medical Director of Long-Term Care job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Medical Director of Long-Term Care Duties and Responsibilities

Medical Directors of Long-Term Care are responsible for overseeing the medical care and services provided in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living residences or rehabilitation centers.

Their primary goal is to ensure that patients receive the highest standard of medical care while adhering to all federal and state regulations.

The duties and responsibilities include:

• Supervising and managing the medical staff in the long-term care facility
• Reviewing, developing, and implementing medical policies, procedures, and protocols
• Ensuring that the medical care provided meets the standards required by law and medical ethics
• Addressing any concerns or complaints regarding the medical care provided in the facility
• Assessing patients’ health status and determining the appropriate level of care required
• Coordinating with other health care professionals such as nurses, therapists, and social workers to provide comprehensive patient care
• Providing training and continuing education opportunities for medical staff
• Reviewing and approving admissions and discharges from the facility
• Monitoring and maintaining quality of care through audits and patient satisfaction surveys

 

Medical Director of Long-Term Care Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Medical Director to oversee clinical operations in our long-term care facility.

The Medical Director will ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care, oversee clinical standards and practices, provide medical leadership, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Candidates should have a deep understanding of geriatric care, experience in healthcare leadership, and a commitment to ethical patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee all medical services and programs within the long-term care facility
• Work with healthcare teams to develop care plans tailored to individual patient needs
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all regulatory and licensing requirements
• Provide medical expertise in the development and implementation of clinical standards and protocols
• Collaborate with administration to improve quality, safety, and efficiency
• Conduct regular staff meetings and training sessions
• Stay updated with latest trends and best practices in geriatric medicine
• Handle patient complaints and incidents professionally
• Evaluate staff performance and provide feedback
• Participate in budget planning and resource allocation

 

Qualifications

• Board certification in Geriatric Medicine or related specialty
• Proven experience in a healthcare leadership role, preferably in long-term care
• Strong knowledge of medical regulations and policies
• Ability to make decisions under pressure and with discretion
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Committed to patient-centered care
• Medical degree (MD or DO) and valid license to practice the profession

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Medical Director of Long-Term Care
• Work Environment: Long-term care facility setting. Some travel may be required for meetings or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Facility Administrator or Executive Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $200,000 minimum to $275,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Medical Director of Long-Term Care Do?

A Medical Director of Long-Term Care typically oversees the medical care provided in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living residences.

They are responsible for setting, monitoring, and enforcing standards of medical care within the facility.

They work in close collaboration with other healthcare professionals like nurses, therapists, and social workers to develop comprehensive care plans for patients.

They are also responsible for supervising and training the medical staff, ensuring they provide the highest level of care and adhere to all medical regulations and standards.

In addition to their administrative duties, they often serve as primary care providers for the residents, diagnosing and treating a variety of health conditions, managing chronic illnesses, and prescribing medications.

The Medical Director of Long-Term Care also liaises with the families of patients, explaining treatment plans and progress, and addressing any concerns or queries they might have.

Lastly, they also play a crucial role in making ethical decisions related to end-of-life care, ensuring that all decisions respect the patient’s wishes and are in their best interest.

 

Medical Director of Long-Term Care Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Medical Director of Long-Term Care should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• A professional qualification in healthcare, preferably with a specialization in geriatric medicine or a related field. In the U.S., this typically means being a board-certified physician.
• Experience in providing healthcare in long-term care facilities, with significant knowledge of the unique needs and challenges of elderly patients.
• Excellent leadership and managerial skills to oversee the medical team and ensure high-quality care for residents.
• Strong communication skills for discussing care plans with families, addressing concerns, and effectively coordinating with other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to develop and implement medical policies and procedures that comply with regulations and standards set by healthcare authorities.
• Experience with healthcare laws, regulations, and ethics, especially as they pertain to long-term care.
• Aptitude for making difficult decisions under pressure and dealing with complex medical cases.
• Knowledge of current trends and developments in geriatric medicine and long-term care to provide the most effective and updated care possible.
• Understanding of budgeting and financial management in the healthcare setting.

 

Medical Director of Long-Term Care Experience Requirements

To qualify as a Medical Director of Long-Term Care, candidates generally need to have a significant amount of healthcare and management experience.

Firstly, candidates must have a medical degree from an accredited institution and have completed a residency in a relevant area such as geriatrics or internal medicine.

They must have a license to practice medicine and many institutions also require board certification in a related specialty.

In terms of experience, most long-term care facilities require a minimum of 5 years of clinical practice, specifically in long-term care, geriatric medicine, or a related field.

This experience should have equipped the candidate with a comprehensive understanding of the unique medical and emotional needs of long-term care patients.

Management experience is also crucial for this role.

Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in a leadership or administrative role within a healthcare setting.

This experience should have honed their skills in areas such as personnel management, budgeting, and policy development.

Furthermore, candidates with a track record in quality improvement initiatives and experience dealing with regulatory and accreditation standards are often preferred.

Finally, the Medical Director of Long-Term Care should be experienced in working with diverse teams and have a strong understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary care in long-term care settings.

 

Medical Director of Long-Term Care Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Medical Director of Long-Term Care generally requires a medical degree from an accredited medical school.

This position requires completion of a residency in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, or Family Medicine, with a preference for a fellowship in Geriatrics.

It is essential for the individual to have a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state.

Most employers require the Medical Director of Long-Term Care to be Board Certified in their primary specialty.

This certification, which is obtained after passing a rigorous examination, ensures that the physician is knowledgeable in their field of practice.

Further, certification as a Certified Medical Director in Long-Term Care (CMD) by the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (ABPLM) is highly desired.

This certification demonstrates the physician’s competency and commitment to long-term care.

Experience in clinical care for older adults, palliative care, and end-of-life decision-making is crucial.

Understanding of the administrative and regulatory aspects of long-term care is also essential.

Many employers prefer candidates with leadership experience in a long-term care setting, as the position often requires oversight and management of a medical team.

Continual medical education (CME) is necessary to maintain licensure and board certification.

CME activities also keep the physician updated on the latest developments in long-term care.

Some may choose to pursue additional training or certification in areas like healthcare management or quality improvement to further enhance their leadership skills and knowledge of long-term care operations.

 

Medical Director of Long-Term Care Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Medical Director of Long-Term Care is $218,380 (USD) per year.

This may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, level of specialization, location, and the specific institution for which they work.

 

Medical Director of Long-Term Care Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Medical Director of Long-Term Care need?

A Medical Director of Long-Term Care typically needs to have a medical degree from an accredited institution and a valid license to practice medicine.

In addition to this, they need specialized training or experience in geriatric medicine.

Board certification in family medicine, internal medicine or geriatrics can be beneficial.

Moreover, they need to have a minimum of 2-5 years of experience working in a long-term care facility.

 

What are the daily responsibilities of a Medical Director of Long-Term Care?

On a regular day, a Medical Director of Long-Term Care could be overseeing the clinical activities within the facility, implementing medical policies, procedures, and protocols.

They would be collaborating with nursing staff and other healthcare professionals, reviewing patient medical records and ensuring adherence to quality care standards.

They would also be involved in addressing patient complaints, advocating for patient needs, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

 

What qualities make a good Medical Director of Long-Term Care?

A good Medical Director of Long-Term Care should be compassionate and patient, as they will be dealing with elderly patients who may require special care and attention.

They should also have strong leadership skills to manage a team of healthcare professionals effectively.

Excellent communication skills are crucial to interact with patients, families, and staff.

They should also have a strong understanding of medical regulations and ethical guidelines.

 

What should you look for in a Medical Director of Long-Term Care resume?

In a resume, ensure the Medical Director of Long-Term Care has the required educational qualifications and licensing.

Look for experience in long-term care settings and any leadership roles they might have held.

Board certification in a relevant field is a plus.

Any additional training in geriatrics or experience in handling end-of-life care or chronic illnesses can be beneficial.

Also, pay attention to any demonstrated skills in team management, healthcare compliance, and quality control.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Medical Director for Long-Term Care.

Surprisingly?

It’s not just about clinical decisions.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

With our go-to Medical Director of Long-Term Care job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to get started.

But don’t stop there!

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for meticulously-crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every decision you make contributes to the larger healthcare narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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